john boehner said he outlined a framework that is consistent with the president's call for a balanced approach of both higher revenue and spending cuts. >> our challenge is to make sure that you know we are able to cooperate together, work together, find some common ground, make some tough compromises, build some consensus to do the people's business. >> while we are going to continue to have revenue on the table it is incumbent for my colleagues to show the american people we are serious about cutting spending and solving our fiscal dilemma, i believe we can do this and avert the fiscal cliff that is right in front of us today. >> the president began the meeting on a chordal note, wishing speaker boehner, shaking his hand, a happy birthday. >>> an oil rig exploded in the gulf of mexico 25 southeast of grand isle, louisiana. two crew members are missing and four injured. the fire that followed the explosion has been extinguished. the rigbylongs to black elk energy, an independent oil and gas company headquartered in houston. >>> a texas rail crossing where a train hit a parade float y